Bethlehem Jesus Birth Church Reopens After About Two Months

▲Exterior view of the closed Yesutan Birth Church. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Church of the Nativity, located in Bethlehem, a city in the West Bank of the Palestinian Autonomous Region, has reopened its doors to Christians and tourists, AFP reported on the 26th (local time).

The church reopened after being closed for over two months since early March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Palestinian authorities eased COVID-19 lockdown measures, entry for the general public was permitted.

However, due to concerns about COVID-19, the maximum number of people allowed inside the Church of the Nativity at one time is limited to 50, and visitors must wear masks.

The Church of the Nativity, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a holy site built at the place known in Christianity as the birthplace of Jesus.

The Palestinian authorities plan to gradually reopen mosques (Islamic places of worship), shops, parks, and restaurants following the reopening of the Church of the Nativity.

Meanwhile, according to the Palestinian health authorities, as of the 25th, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Palestinian Autonomous Region stands at 602, with 5 deaths.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.